Responding to complaints

We have always been aware of the impact our workings can have particularly when it comes to the communities around our sites.  We encourage liaison groups where possible so questions about working can hopefully be answered, we record all complaints on our internal network so all managers are able to view external communication received. 

During 2010, we received an increase of 12 complaints compared with 2009

We looked through the data collected and selected three of our larger sites to provide information on how they have been responding to their most significant complaints.

Bardon Hill Quarry – dust

Following several complaints from local residents about the dust found on their cars, the asphalt plant at Bardon Hill looked at its processes to see how the impact could be reduced.  Several new initiatives were introduced to try and reduce the occurrence:  

1. Spray systems at the Benninghoven plant
2. New hose wash down systems at both plants
3. PPM inspections of pipework as we had issue with blocked pipework that spilled filler
4. Bespoke split bin system to reduce cleanout of dusty aggregate

There were fewer complaints received by the saite in the latter half of the year but the real test will be during summer 2011.

Glensanda Quarry – noise

The management team at Glensanda Quarry has been working with the residents on the Isle of Lismore for several years, trying to understand the origins of noise which travels the 4km across Loch Linnie.

During 2009, members of the community and the local councillor were approached to set up recording equipment in their homes in order to identify the source of any noise. Following analysis of the recordings, one of the potential issues was deemed to be the gears on the wash plant operation.  Even though these were not due to be replaced, it was obvious the noise levels had increased. These were changed and the original equipment sent to the manufacturer to deem whether any further maintenance should be undertaken to reduce the risk of it occurring again.

The quarry is also carefully selecting anchorages to be used in the loch to avoid the island being subject to low frequency noise from ships generators when at anchor and awaiting berthing.  However, it is worthwhile to note that any noise created on site is more likely to be heard on Lismore when the weather is calm.

During September 2010, an open day was held on site for all Lismore residents when the quarry was in full operation for the residents to view the various environmental controls in place.    

Croft Quarry – blasting

During the last couple of years, Croft Quarry has been ensuring that awkward corners are fully worked out meaning that blasting has occurred in areas of the quarry untouched for close to 15 years, which were even then being worked in the opposite direction. The predominantly retired residents closest to this area were concerned by the effects as it was not something they had experienced since their houses were built in the 1970s.  They clay soils would have made any effects feel stronger than they actually were, but the quarry set to work to reduce the impact on the neighbours.

A new approach was tested to measure the frequency of the vibrations recorded.  The results of this enable design blasts that avoid certain delay patterns causing concern.  The residents of the close were consulted and the results were found to be a vast improvement.  The improvements were reported at the liaison meeting and the parish council were very complimentary of the endeavours of the quarry staff to minimise any effects.

We encourage all our staff to report and record all complaints received through any means.  This gives us the opportunity to look for any patterns occurring at a particular site, with specific equipment or from particular areas within a community.